Corrugated Plastic Crate for Cold Storage

HDPE vs PP for cold storage: temperature limits, thermal shock tips, and ICD crate specs for -40C seafood freezing and frozen goods storage.

Table of Contents

Why ordinary plastic becomes brittle in a blast-freezer
Cold-resistant materials: HDPE, PP and temperature limits
ICD corrugated plastic crates for seafood blast-freezing
Handling thermal shock when moving crates in and out of the freezer
- Why thermal shock damages crates
- How to reduce thermal shock
Choosing the right crate by seafood processing stage
Related articles
Frequently asked questions about cold-storage plastic crates
Contact ICD Vietnam
- Reference

Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 37/2026

Plastic crates and trays used in cold storage and seafood blast-freezing must withstand deep-freeze temperatures without becoming brittle or cracking. Standard PP plastic becomes brittle below -10 C, while seafood blast-freezers run at -18 C to -40 C. Choosing the wrong material causes crates to shatter from impact inside the freezer, dropping loads and creating safety hazards. This guide covers cold-resistant plastics, the brittle-point of each type, how to handle thermal shock when moving crates in and out of the freezer, and ICD corrugated plastic crate specifications for seafood processing and frozen-goods storage.

Why ordinary plastic becomes brittle in a blast-freezer

As temperature drops, plastic loses its ductility and turns brittle. Each plastic type has its own brittle-point threshold. Below that threshold, even a light knock during freezer handling is enough to crack a crate or shatter a corner. This is why standard plastic crates perform well in a chilled store but fail quickly in a blast-freezer.

Cold-resistant materials: HDPE, PP and temperature limits

Material	Working temperature	Cold-storage suitability
Virgin HDPE	-40 C to 80 C	Best choice for deep blast-freezing
PP copolymer	-20 C to 100 C	Chilled and light-freeze stores; prone to cracking below -10 C under impact
Recycled HDPE	Brittle below -5 C	Not suitable for cold storage
ABS	-20 C to 85 C	Brittle at deep-freeze temperatures; not suitable for blast-freezers

Selection rule: seafood blast-freezers running -18 C to -40 C require virgin HDPE. PP is only suitable for chilled and light-freeze applications. Never use recycled plastic or ABS for deep-freeze cold stores.

ICD corrugated plastic crates for seafood blast-freezing

ICD line	Dimensions (mm)	Freezer application
Open-mesh HDPE tray	610 x 420 x 100	Blast-freezing fish and shrimp; drains melt water
Open-mesh HDPE tray (tall)	610 x 420 x 250	High-volume seafood holding
Solid HDPE crate with lid	To specification	Frozen-goods storage; prevents moisture loss

Open-mesh trays suit blast-freezing because they drain melt water and let cold air circulate for faster, more even freezing. Solid lidded crates suit already-frozen goods storage to prevent sublimation and moisture loss. Specify virgin HDPE to handle deep-freeze temperatures and allow chemical-sanitiser washing.

Handling thermal shock when moving crates in and out of the freezer

Why thermal shock damages crates

A crate moved abruptly from a -25 C freezer into a 30 C ambient environment faces a large temperature differential that causes uneven expansion and condensation. Repeated cycles fatigue the plastic and shorten service life, especially for materials other than virgin HDPE.

How to reduce thermal shock

Limit the number of freeze-thaw cycles a single crate goes through each day; use a temperature buffer zone between freezer and ambient areas where possible; and specify virgin HDPE because its wide working temperature range handles large differentials better than other materials. Avoid heavy impacts immediately after the crate leaves the freezer while the plastic is still cold and at its most brittle.

Choosing the right crate by seafood processing stage

Processing stage	Recommended crate type	Reason
Receiving and primary processing	Open-mesh HDPE tray with ice	Drains water; holds temperature with ice
IQF and block blast-freezing	Open-mesh HDPE tray	Cold-air circulation for fast, even freezing
Frozen-goods cold storage	Solid HDPE crate with lid	Prevents moisture loss; stackable
Frozen-goods transport	Insulated solid crate	Maintains temperature outside the freezer

ICD industrial plastic crates

How to read plastic crate codes

Plastic crate dimensions: reference table

Frequently asked questions about cold-storage plastic crates

1. What is the lowest temperature a plastic crate can handle?

It depends on the material. Virgin HDPE handles down to -40 C and is suitable for deep blast-freezing. PP copolymer is rated to -20 C but cracks easily below -10 C under impact. Recycled plastic and ABS become brittle at deep-freeze temperatures and should not be used in cold stores.

2. Which plastic crate should I use in a seafood blast-freezer?

Use virgin HDPE. Open-mesh trays suit blast-freezing because they drain melt water and allow cold-air circulation for faster, more even freezing. Solid lidded crates suit already-frozen goods storage to prevent moisture loss. Avoid PP, recycled plastic, and ABS.

3. Why do standard plastic crates crack in a blast-freezer?

Because plastic loses ductility and becomes brittle below its brittle-point threshold. PP turns brittle below -10 C, so even a light knock during freezer handling is enough to crack or shatter a corner. Virgin HDPE stays ductile down to -40 C and does not have this problem.

4. Which is better for blast-freezing - open-mesh trays or solid crates?

Open-mesh trays are better for the blast-freezing stage because they drain melt water and allow cold-air circulation for fast, even freezing. Solid lidded crates are better for storing already-frozen goods because they prevent sublimation and moisture loss. Each type serves a different stage.

5. How do I prevent crate damage from thermal shock?

Limit the number of freeze-thaw cycles per crate per day, use a temperature buffer zone between the freezer and ambient areas where possible, and specify virgin HDPE because its wide working temperature range handles large differentials better. Avoid heavy impacts immediately after the crate leaves the freezer while the plastic is still cold and at its most brittle.